"We need to move from a concept of attrition to one of tough deterrence that will eventually lead to the removal of the Hamas regime, because as long as it exists it will continue arming itself and continue its attacks," he said.

But Benita Ferrero-Waldner, the EU's external relations commissioner,

said that recent military strikes in the narrow coastal strip of Palestinian territory would not prevent rocket strikes being launched into Israel.

"I am against this collective punishment of the people of Gaza," she said.

"Only a credible political agreement this year ... can turn Palestinians away from violence," she said.

Under siege

"This gradual increase in violence is the antithesis of deterrence. Deterrence always means using disproportionate force"

Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli opposition leader

Hamas officials said that the target was a group of fighters who launched makeshift rockets into southern Israel.

Around 230 Palestinian rockets and mortars have been fired over the border since Tuesday, according to the Israeli military.